Alton Hassell, a 21-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, tragically lost his life on December 9, 1926, in Farewell, Texas. His death was part of a horrific family annihilation carried out by his uncle/step-father, George Hassell. George Hassell, who had a history of criminal behavior, including previous murders and embezzlement, murdered Alton along with Alton's seven siblings and mother.
The motive behind these murders was reportedly a crime of passion that spiraled out of control.
George Hassell initially claimed that he and his family were returning to Oklahoma, but suspicions arose when he attempted to sell all their belongings in a large yard sale. Law enforcement became suspicious and began an investigation, which led to the discovery of the bodies stored in a root cellar on the family's property. Hassell eventually confessed to the murders, and a short trial was convened. The trial took on a carnival atmosphere in Farwell and its sister city, Texico, New Mexico.
Hassell was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was executed by electrocution on February 2, 1928, becoming the 27th person executed in the state of Texas. The case remains one of the most infamous family annihilation cases in U.S. history due to the sheer brutality and the number of victims involved.
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